MV
Maddie VanDyke
  • Biochemistry
  • Class of 2017

Grove City College Bestows Top Honor to Maddie VanDyke

2017 Jul 6

The 2017 Grove City College Woman of the Year award was presented to Maddie VanDyke '17 during end of year Recognition Convocation in Harbison Chapel.

The award is among the highest honor that the College can bestow on a student and presented jointly by the leadership honoraries Mortar Board and Omicron Delta Kappa. Selections are made on the basis of scholarship, leadership and service and the candidates are voted on by students and faculty.

VanDyke, of Fleming Island, Fl., is a Biology major. She is a member of the varsity swim and cross country teams. She started and participated in Women of Faith, a mentoring program for female students on campus. VanDyke is also a member of the Crimson and White Society, ODK and Mortar Board. She serves as Physician Assistant Ambassador for the Pre-Health Society. As a member of that team, she collected research about cancer cells and presented her findings at the Penn State Behrend Sigma Xi Undergraduate Research Conference.

"I have known Maddie since freshman year, and she has been nothing short of a blessing to me since then," fellow senior Alycia Bini '17 wrote in nominating VanDyke. "Her character is one that is unmatched by many others. Maddie has continually pointed me toward Christ and encouraged me to always do my best. Rarely does anyone leave Maddie's presence without a smile on their face and joy in their hearts. Her impact is visible through the example her life is to those around her."

Other finalists for Woman of the Year were: Emily El Senadi '17, Molly Gallant '17, Amanda Hutzelmann '17, Sarah Markley'17 and Kaylee Strawhun '17.

The names of the award winners are recorded for posterity on a memorial plaque on a boulder outside Harbison Chapel. Former recipients of this prestigious honor have gone on to become leaders in faith, education, business, law, health care and other fields.